Community Grant Program

Mildura Rural City Council’s Community Grant Program provides opportunities for not-for-profit community groups to deliver innovative local projects and programs that support our communities vision of being “A liveable, people friendly community”.

The Community Grant Program aims to:

Support everyone to reach their full potential through initiatives that strengthen our community, reduce barriers to participation and improve access, equity and inclusion.
Support our community to live sustainably through projects and initiatives that create cooler, greener places, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and take action to address climate change.
Assist council to deliver identified objectives, priorities and strategies and align with the Council Plan.
Support programs that strengthen the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our community through initiatives focused on health and wellbeing, community support, community spirit, civic pride, volunteering, arts, history and culture, and the environment.

How much is available?

Name	Maximum amount per application	Length of funding agreement	Rounds	Funding ratio
Large	$6,001 to $10,000	12 months	Closed	1:2
Small	Up to $6,000	12 months	Closed	Nil
Quick Response	Up to $2,000	12 months	Dec-May	Nil

When do grant applications open and close?

Large and Small Grants: Open Monday 13 July 2026 – Closes 24 August 2026
Quick Response Grants: Closed

How do I apply for this grant?

Applications must be submitted electronically via Council’s online grants portal (Smartygrants). To start an application please call 03 5018 8100 and ask to speak to the Community Engagement Officer.

A preview of the grant application form is available below to assist you in preparing your application.

If you have any questions, or would like some assistance with your application, please call 03 5018 8100 and ask to speak to Dianne Johnstone, Community Engagement Officer. Or get in touch through email at dianne.johnstone@mildura.vic.gov.au

For more information please refer to the documents below:

Community Grants Program Guidelines 2026-27
Community Grants Program Policy
Preview of the application form (this is a preview of the application form only - grant applications must be submitted electronically via Council's online grants portal SmartyGrants)
Land Manager's Consent application
Water and energy use guidelines for buildings and facilities

Applications must address the following mandatory criteria. If an application does not address the mandatory criteria, it will not be eligible for assessment:

Provide details of all monetary and in-kind contributions (this must be in line with the requirements of the funding level, i.e. Large Grants 1:2).
Provide a plan for consultation/engagement.
Identify where the project aligns with the Council Plan 2025-2029.

Applications will be scored and assessed according to the following assessment criteria:

Criteria	Weighting
Tell us about your project. What will your project do? Explain how your project supports the community grant program priorities. (Applications that address more than one priority area are encouraged)	30%
What community need or problem will your project address, and how do you know this is needed? (Please include any evidence (for example, statistics, research, consultation, meeting minutes, newspaper article).	30%
How will you deliver your project? Include key activities, timing and any risks.	15%
What difference will this project make to the community?	15%
Demonstrate consideration for: • Inclusiveness and accessibility Explain how the project will support people with specific needs to participate regardless of, age, gender, culture or ability. This includes recognising their diverse needs and reducing barriers so people can participate in a way that suits them. • Social and environmental sustainability Consider supporting local businesses, creating employment and participation opportunities for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people or people with disability, promotion of environmentally friendly practices, purchase/use of products that consume minimal energy, water or other resources.	10%
Total	100%